Press this link to see a rotating crystal of the mineral nahcolite!
Sodium bicarbonate crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its prismatic crystals (2/m) have sharp edges.
Therefore, sodium hydrogen carbonate has many uses as a constituent of household cleaning products.
People use the title compound in a slurry form to remove paint or other dirt from various surfaces.
Sodium bicarbonate has the ability to reduce odors by neutralizing the acid by-products of bacteria. It is used in health and beauty applications and as a constituent of household chemicals.
When it reacts with an acid, it releases carbon dioxide, CO2. So, the baking soda is a key ingredient in food leavening and in the manufacture of effervescent salts and beverages.
For example, what is the reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate? The chemical equation of this reaction is:
HCl + NaHCO3 → NaCl + H2O + CO2
Why does carbon dioxide form from sodium bicarbonate? Because HCl is stronger acid than carbonic acid, H2CO3, and displaces it from its salt (from the bicarbonate). Then H2CO3 immediately decomposes according to the chemical equation:
H2CO3 → H2O + CO2
Specially prepared NaHCO3 may be used in the process of soda blasting (cleaning or depainting of any surface).
Sodium hydrogen carbonate as a mineral nahcolite is environmentally friendly. It is used in Colorado to produce quality sodium bicarbonate.
The sodium hydrogen carbonate may be used to obtain sodium sesquicarbonate Na2CO3·NaHCO3·2H2O (trona). This household chemical has many uses in detergents, soaps, and cleansers.
As environmental impact in manufacture of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate (soda ash) is very important, I propose not to waste any kilogram of H2O (neither do astronauts in a cosmic station), to recycle all the water. It will be the most important chemical in XXI Century.
Tell a friend about this site now! Press below to recommend it to a friend.
|
